Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its benefits for skin is still limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no direct skin benefit.

Maleic acid is a potent but harsh exfoliant rarely used in consumer skincare due to high irritation potential; safer AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid are preferred.

Malic acid is a gentle AHA exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture and brighten complexion, but it can cause irritation if used too frequently or at high concentrations.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

A gentle, plant-based oil that may help soften skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still limited.

A plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that hydrates skin without clogging pores, though research on its benefits is still limited.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still early.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

A gentle, plant-derived extract that helps calm irritated skin and provides light hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm irritation and support skin hydration, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Mallow leaf extract is a gentle, plant-based soother that helps calm redness and support skin hydration without irritation.

A gentle, hydrating botanical water that helps calm sensitive or irritated skin without stripping moisture.

A gentle, plant-based extract that helps calm and hydrate sensitive skin, though research is still emerging.

Malonic acid is a mild exfoliant and pH adjuster, but research on its skincare benefits is still emerging.

Malt extract is a gentle, natural humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Maltitol is a gentle humectant that helps hydrate skin and improve product texture, but it offers no unique advantage over more common alternatives like glycerin.

Maltitol Laurate is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that helps blend water and oil in skincare products without stripping the skin.

A mild, hydrating exfoliant ideal for sensitive skin, offering gentle surface renewal without the sting of stronger acids.

Maltodextrin is a gentle, sugar-derived ingredient that helps products feel smooth and slightly hydrating without clogging pores.

A gentle film-forming polymer that improves product texture and wear without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Maltol is a sweet-smelling compound that adds a caramel-like scent to products and offers mild antioxidant benefits, but it is primarily a fragrance ingredient.

A mild, sugar-based humectant that pulls water into the skin without stickiness, making it a great alternative to glycerin for lightweight hydration.

Maltose is a gentle, natural humectant that helps attract and hold moisture in the skin without irritation or clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and hydrate skin without clogging pores, though research is still limited.

A protein hydrolysate that may temporarily smooth and plump skin, but its source and limited research mean it's not a standout ingredient for most routines.

Mamushi oil is a traditional emollient with anecdotal benefits, but it lacks modern scientific backing and may pose ethical and allergy concerns.

A mild, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, though research is still emerging.

A natural, biodegradable physical exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells, but its irregular particle shape can be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

A gentle antioxidant-rich botanical blend that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm minor irritation.

A gentle plant extract that provides antioxidant protection and a subtle botanical scent, but research on its specific skin benefits is still limited.

Mandarin Leaf Oil adds a fresh citrus scent to products but may irritate sensitive skin; its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Mandarin Orange Fruit Extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may brighten the complexion.

Mandarin orange juice offers gentle antioxidant and exfoliating benefits, but its natural acidity and potential for phototoxicity require careful formulation.

Mandarin Orange Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild antioxidant benefits, but can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in sunlight.

A gentle, aromatic water from mandarin oranges that offers mild skin conditioning and a refreshing feel, but lacks strong scientific backing for major skin benefits.

Mandarin Peel Extract offers antioxidant protection and a gentle citrus scent, but its benefits are best supported by general citrus research rather than mandarin-specific studies.

Mandarin Peel Oil adds a fresh citrus scent and mild astringent action, but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to natural limonene content.

Mandarin Peel Powder offers gentle physical exfoliation with antioxidant benefits, but its gritty texture and potential for irritation mean it's best suited for occasional use in rinse-off products.

A gentle AHA that exfoliates and brightens skin with less irritation than glycolic acid, making it ideal for sensitive or darker skin tones.

Mandrake root extract is a botanical ingredient with a long history in folklore but very limited modern scientific support for skincare benefits.

Manganese Acetylmethionine is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Manganese aspartate is a trace mineral antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Manganese chloride is a trace mineral that may support antioxidant defenses in skin, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Manganese Citrate is a gentle mineral antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

A novel synthetic manganese complex with theoretical antioxidant benefits, but very limited research and no established safety or efficacy data in cosmetics.

Manganese dioxide is a safe mineral colorant used in makeup, but it has no proven skincare benefits beyond color and a slight absorbent effect.

Manganese glycerophosphate is a gentle mineral salt that may support antioxidant activity in skincare, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Manganese glycinate is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research in topical skincare is still limited.

Manganese oxide is a safe mineral pigment that adds color to makeup and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it's not a star skincare active.

Manganese sulfate is a trace mineral that helps your skin's natural antioxidant system, but it's used in tiny amounts and is not a standout ingredient on its own.

A gentle peptide that may help firm skin and calm irritation, but human research is still limited.

Manganese Violet is a safe, non-irritating colorant that adds a muted purple hue to makeup, but it offers no skincare benefits.

Mangiferin is a gentle plant antioxidant that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are still limited.

A gentle film-forming ingredient that helps makeup and skincare products last longer without feeling heavy or greasy.

Mango pulp extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate skin, but its benefits are mostly from its nutrient content rather than any unique active.

A nourishing, non-greasy butter that softens skin and helps protect the moisture barrier without clogging pores.

A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin without clogging pores.